Face Scrub Pilling Effect and Product Claims

Question

I saw a face scrub product that creates a 'pilling' effect (like dead skin) when massaged. The product claims to make skin instantly white, clear, and shiny, reduce acne and melasma, contain 'Snow Lotus', and be preservative-free. Could you please explain the science behind the 'pilling' effect, confirm if 'Snow Lotus' is a known cosmetic ingredient with these properties, and clarify the feasibility of a water-based scrub being preservative-free?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Understanding Face Scrub with "Pilling" Effect

Regarding the face scrub product you saw that creates a "ขี้ไคล" (dead skin/impurities) effect when massaged, makes the skin instantly white, clear, shiny, and reduces acne and melasma, along with claims of containing "Snow Lotus" and being preservative-free:

As the staff explained, the "ขี้ไคล"-like substance that appears when massaging this type of product is typically the product itself pilling up, not actual dead skin being removed from your face. This pilling effect is a result of specific formulation techniques using ingredients like gelling agents and emollients that cause the product to form small balls or clumps when rubbed.

While the brand you saw may claim to use "Snow Lotus" and achieve these results, our search did not identify a common cosmetic ingredient specifically named "Snow Lotus" that is known for causing this particular pilling effect. However, MySkinRecipes offers a wide range of ingredients that can provide the benefits you are looking for, such as reducing acne and melasma, and promoting skin whitening and radiance.

Some examples of ingredients available that can help achieve these benefits include:

For Radiance and Whitening: Ingredients like Yeast Radiance, Activated Resorcinol, Tranexamic Acid, and Pep-Even.
For Reducing Acne: Ingredients such as Pep®-Acne, Actin AC, and Acne-TT™.

Regarding the claim of being preservative-free, please note that any water-based cosmetic product requires a preservative system to prevent microbial growth and ensure safety and shelf life, as correctly pointed out by the staff. Products without preservatives typically have a very short shelf life or require special packaging and storage conditions.

In summary, while we do not have a specific ingredient called "Snow Lotus" that creates the pilling effect, MySkinRecipes provides numerous high-quality ingredients that can be used to formulate products targeting acne, melasma, whitening, and radiance. The pilling texture is a formulation characteristic, and the desired skin benefits can be achieved by incorporating effective active ingredients into a suitable base.